‘On the Firth of Forth’, Watercolour by James Duffield Harding, 1820–1863

An atmospheric view of the First of Forth by James Duffield Harding (1797-1863). The watercolour is monogrammed in pencil in the bottom left hand corner. The title was printed on the old mount which has been replaced with a new conservation grade mount. This is a fine example of Harding’s work in good condition. Harding did a number of watercolours in Scotland, from Dunure Castle to Loch Tummel.

Harding was one of the most popular and influential drawing masters of the 19th century. John Ruskin admired his work, describing him as ‘after Turner, unquestionably the greatest master of foliage in Europe‘. His use of tinted papers and opaque paints in watercolour proved influential. Having studied watercolour under Samuel Prout, he exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1811 and was awarded a silver medal by the Society of Arts in 1816. He was elected a member Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1821. Harding published a number of drawing manuals, including the Lithographic Drawing Book (1832), Elementary Art, or the Use of the Lead Pencil (1834) and Principles and Practice of Art (1845). His paintings are in the Tate and V&A.

The picture has an Aiken Dott Son label on the back. The Edinburgh firm was founded by Aitken Dott in 1842 as "Gilders, Framers, and Artists‘ Colourmen", but also exhibited and sold work by the leading artists of the day. As all areas of the business grew, larger premises were found in 26 Castle Street in 1860 and a new dedicated gallery space was opened in 1897 as "The Scottish Gallery". This prestigious gallery is still in existence today, situated at 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh.